travel tips ► RUSSIAN MAFIA

The days of the Russian mafia are coming to an end. The big, bald guys driving around in jeeps and SUVs are disappearing and being replaced by Russian yuppies. The mafia guys never bothered foreigners much anyway so you really have nothing to worry about. Most of what is written in the Western press is exaggerated as well. If you are a common tourist you are definitely of no interest to the Russian mafia. Walking around you might not even recognize these guys. And basically besides some rude comments on the streets and in restaurants or fancy boutiques, these guys and their posh looking ladies won't harm you. So if you avoid these overly priced places, which are frequented by a snobby, well dressed crowd, you almost have no chance of meeting members of the Russian mafia.